2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna occupied a unique niche in the automotive market, standing firm as a minivan while many competitors shifted focus to SUVs. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident through its history, from the original Van in the 1980s to the innovative Previa and the subsequent generations of the Sienna. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced an SUV-like style while retaining its minivan identity, featuring a macho front end and cleverly re-engineered sliding doors. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering an uncluttered front cabin and ample storage, making it a practical choice for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class presented a blend of new and old, with the GLC 300 being redesigned while the Coupe models carried over from the previous year. The new GLC 300 featured subtle exterior changes, such as narrower taillights, maintaining the classy and timeless design of its predecessor. The interior received a significant makeover, aligning with newer Mercedes models, boasting a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and high-quality materials. The returning GLC Coupe retained its distinctive coupe-like roofline and first-generation interior, offering a mix of modern and familiar elements.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued with its hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trim levels. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, enhancing traction without mechanical complexity. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), offering smooth and efficient power delivery. Drivers could choose from four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system. Fuel economy was impressive, with the FWD model achieving 36 mpg in all driving conditions and the AWD model slightly lower at 35 mpg.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive as standard, and Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive was available. The GLC 300 accelerated smoothly, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The brake pedal was a bit soft but effective, and the suspension favored comfort over sporty handling. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older engine, producing 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, with a similar 0-60 mph time. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a sportier option with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, delivering 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The third-row bench easily stored away, and all rows featured storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for busy families.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and firm cushioning. The synthetic leather upholstery was convincingly grained, with real leather available for a smoother feel. The GLC provided sufficient storage, including a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad and cupholders, though the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. The rear seats accommodated average adults comfortably, with slightly limited headroom for taller passengers. The standard GLC had 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, smaller than some rivals but adequate for most needs. The rear seats folded flat for larger items. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and lowered rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen standard across all grades, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were standard, with Qi wireless phone charging available on higher trims. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup on the LE to a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display, remote, and wireless headphones. The instrument panel included a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch head-up display available on Platinum trims. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a new interior layout with an 11.9-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system included excellent voice recognition but interrupted audio playback. The new system performed well but was more distracting due to the lack of physical buttons. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Star Safety System included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brake-force distribution. The Sienna had 10 airbags and several LATCH child-seat connectors, along with a rear-seat reminder system. Tire-pressure monitoring and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire.

Crash-test results for the 2023 GLC 300 were not yet available, but the previous GLC received top scores from the NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, adaptive headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and emergency stop assist. The Coupe came standard with cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.